Hiya Guys
Sos been while again to do diary but finally getting chance now. So last time I left you I was off to explore Kaikoura in South Island. Woke up to that fab view of the sea and mountains, bit cloudy today but off for coastal walk 2 hours, was really nice but cold wind, great views and great pictures (promise on blog soon). Alison and Fiona went whale watching and saw 6 photos were fab, so when get them will pop them on the blog too. Drove to Christchurch on afternoon, not too bad arrived at YHA hostel which really nice and few drinks and meal out tonight, Thai food which was really lovely, starting to get a taste for this so think when get to Thailand should be expert in what to eat ha ha!!!
Not too much of bad head this morning after me and Alison managed to drink all our beers (24 case eeeee!!!) Picked up two new group members today, Dorothy and Ben from Paris really nice couple. So off to Punakaiki today. On the way stopped off another waterfall, sure Lockey is obsessed with us seeing every waterfall in NZealand ha ha!!! Drove further up the coast road which was really scenic and arrived our hostel on the beach. This is one of the most lovelest places Ive stayed in New Zealand, me and Alison chilled out on the balcony watching the sun go down and having of course few beers, well you know it has to be done!!!!! Went up to the Pancake rocks which were really unusually formed like layers of pancakes on top of each other with the waves crashing in on them was really lovely to see.
Next day up early again packed bus and set off for Hokitika, chance for two hour walk or shopping, I choose the latter, feeling bit tired and in need of bit retail therapy. Terry was queueing for the new Harry Potter Book - mad mad mad fan, and in this little town there was a queue outside the only book store, was funny to see all the kids dressed up too!!!! Walked down to the beach with Alison it was so pretty and quiet, found some fab stones and drift wood. You know me and my collection of rocks!!!! Set off for Franz Josef and on the way was a great walk with 360 degree views of the south mountain range. I tell you what steps wasnt in it, me and Julia and Fiona were at the back and cursing as we went up and up and up and up!!!! View was great though and worth the climb, Lockey so funny said to us only few steps up we were like, oh yeah wait till we get back!!!!! He just laughed at us!!!! Arrived tea time at Franz Josef at this cool hostel, had a "Luv Shack", hot tub and fab verander with hammock to chill out, weather nice too, still cold but sunny.
Morning up and out to do my walk up to the Glacier Valley, I didnt do the hike cos Lockey said with my fear of heights might not be good idea as I might freak with the height of the glaciers and walking over or through them so it was the good old feet for me. Met three guys on the shuttle bus and can you believe one of them was from Newton Aycliffe (what a small world eh!!) There were in the army and on exchange programme. Walked with them up to the Glacier and then I took the Callery Waiho walk back on my own - 3 half hours later and two suspension bridges arrived back at Franz Josef village. Really pretty walk and really enjoyed some me time on my own. Chilled out for the rest of the day and did laundry and internet. Managed to get insurance to go skiing in Queenstown for me and Alison so really looking forward to that.
Off next day early start again to Queestown, we drove over Arthurs pass which had fab scenery and stopped off at points, we were in snow!!!!! Sledged down hill on cardboard which was good fun, snowball fights broke out along the way too!! Lockey had cracking shot and hit Alex on the head so funny had to be there though!! Frozen lake on the way we all out on it sliding around was so cool, few cracks appeared and some of us made a run for it!!! Lockey made me sit right at the front for the drive down into Queenstown, talk about twists and turns on narrow roads, my heart was in my mouth couple of times!!!!! Defo fear of heights is getting better I think!! Arrived in Queenstown, which looks cool and happening place, snow in the mountains and went to Pig and Whistle for some homely grub, pie peas gravy and chips, was fab with couple of beers to wash it down. Me, Alison, Julia, Fiona and Terry headed on to another bar for few more drinks and so funny Fiona not had drink and she was the one who fell over in the bar!!!!! Tuesday 24th Skiing today, felt really weird with boots on and ski's, had lesson and really enjoyed it, didnt fall over until after lunch when back on slope for lesson 2, enjoyed it but dont think its a sport for me, for one too expensive and I hated getting knocked over by others who couldnt stop!!! Alison is hooked, sure we will see her soon in the olympics, watch out for little un!!!! Tonight bit of disaster, found out someone managed to scan my cash card and took 1500.00 out of my account little sh*** eh!!!!!!!!! Bless Lorraine in England my saviour and helped to get sorted out with the bank, fingers crossed will get back but take about 3 weeks so not got cash card, Fiona helped me out bless her. So night out for us to -5 bar which was really cool, bar made of ice with sculputures, had to wear coat, gloves and booties only allowed in half an hour cos of coldness, but really pleased we went in and got drink with price !!!!. Off to more bars, with more drink and dancing!!!! Eventually wobbled home at about 3.30am happy!!!
Next day bit of bad head but lie in and full breaky made for us from Lockey. THANK YOU!! Horse riding today, raining but hopefully will help to clear the hangover!! Travelling up to the valley, I felt so sickly even though sat infront of the van but managed to keep it in!!! Ride was great we saw places where Lord of the Rings was filmed and the guide was really great and told us loads of info about the making of the film and we had two of the horses who appeared in the film and she told us the secret about the Orkes!! Did you know they were really all women dressed with padded suits and they carried those large shields and spears!!!! Power to us girls eh!!!! My horse was really strong and going down this hill decided he would jump down instead of step, yep guess what jolted my neck ahhh!!! Third bad luck thing I hope. Early night for me with hot bottle on neck and bed.
Next day up early, 6.45am left on big tour bus for Milford Sound, five hour drive and two hour boat cruise on the fjord. Really long day, but worth it for the scenery and views of dolphins in the sea!!! Back about 7.30pm, few of us started to get bus rage near the end we just wanted to be back!!!! Last day in Queenstown so I popped into town to post some stuff back home, quick email check and then off to Arrowtown to pan for gold. We didnt find any like shame !!! Went up on the Gondola, this is a small lift for four people which goes up the side of the mountain to give great views at the top. Well you can imagine me, Lockey so cruel got in my lift and I was cursing somat rotten, eyes shut most of the way but managed it, had to come back down too like!!!! Saw some guys bunjee from the top of this, I felt physically sick and had to leave really strange cos watched bunjee at Lake Tapo but think cos I was on the ground much easier. Headed back down with Terry and Fiona and still had to shut eyes so far down!!!!
Off to Mount Cook today - 28th July - really remote place with highest mountain in New Zealand, fabulous views again and a lake so blue and more glaciers to see!!! On the way called at salmon farm for fresh salmon for dinner tonight, we fed them then half an hour later they were ready for us to take!!!!! Tasted great!!!!!
Last day of tour today, back to Christchurch felt like forever to get back but finally there. Chilled out and in hotel for the night, managed to sneak Steph into mine and Julias room so she can fly out to Sydney with me tomorrow. Went out for Indian food really different to ours back home but still nice was craving nan bread!!! Fly to Sydney 30th July so will check in with you guys when get there and promise try and get pics downloaded too.
Luv and hugs to everyone and send me your news. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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